Volunteer lifeboat crews from Porthcawl and Barry Dock RNLI have featured in a new television programme filmed with actor and writer Ruth Jones and her close friend Steve Spiers, set to air over the Christmas period.
The programme, Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love, follows Ruth as she returns to her hometown and introduces Steve to some of the places and people that have shaped her life — including the RNLI stations she has long been connected to through family ties.
Ruth’s links with Porthcawl RNLI run deep. She was joined during filming by her sister Maria, a local GP who volunteers as the station’s medical advisor. The family’s involvement spans generations: Maria’s husband Etienne served as a volunteer crew member for 19 years, Ruth’s niece Anousha also volunteered before leaving for university, and her brother Julian is lead organiser of the RNLI Samtampa Memorial Run.
After a safety briefing and donning full kit, Ruth, Steve and Maria spent time aboard Barry Dock’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, while Porthcawl RNLI launched its Atlantic 85. The visit showcased how the two neighbouring stations train and operate side by side.
The trio also took part in a short training exercise focused on rescuing a casualty from the water, with volunteer crews demonstrating how they work together during both training sessions and live service calls. Despite filming taking place, both lifeboats remained fully operational and ready to respond to any emergency tasking from HM Coastguard.
The afternoon was marked by a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of conversation and laughter, as Ruth and Steve took time to speak with crew members and members of the public.
Following the filming, volunteer crews from both stations were invited to a private preview screening of the programme, hosted by BBC Cymru Wales and ITV Cymru Wales. The event included a Q&A session, during which Ruth and Steve shared behind-the-scenes stories and praised the dedication of RNLI volunteers.
Andrew Walmsley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthcawl RNLI, said:
“It was great to meet both Ruth and Steve, and we really appreciated them coming down to spend time with the crew. Visits like this give us a valuable chance to share key RNLI safety messages, especially at this time of year when the sea can be even more unpredictable than usual and incredibly cold.”
Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love airs on Monday 15 December at 9pm on BBC One, featuring appearances from both Porthcawl and Barry Dock RNLI crews.
The RNLI has also reiterated its seasonal safety advice, reminding the public that anyone in trouble at sea or along the coast should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. Volunteer lifeboat crews remain on call 24 hours a day throughout Christmas and the New Year.
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- Porthcawl RNLI operates an Atlantic 85 B-class lifeboat.
- Barry Dock RNLI operates a Shannon class all-weather lifeboat.
- Photo credit: RNLI / Chris Page and Lisa Newberry.